1. Can the venue realistically host your entire wedding day?

Many venues look perfect for one part of the celebration — the ceremony or the dinner — but not necessarily both.

Before you book, take a closer look at how the full day would actually flow.

Things to check early:

• Is there a weather backup option that comfortably fits your guest count?
• Are there noise restrictions that could end your evening earlier than expected?
• Does the layout allow for a smooth transition between ceremony, aperitivo, dinner, and dancing?

A venue can be stunning, but still create logistical challenges that affect the overall experience.

There are proposals… and then there are Italian proposals. The kind that feel like they belong in a film, where the light is perfect, the moment feels suspended in time, and the person you love says yes before you’ve even finished the question.

If you’re thinking of proposing in Italy, you’re already on the right track. If you’re thinking of proposing in Sorrento or on the Amalfi coast in particular?  You might just be about to create a once‑in‑a‑lifetime memory.

Let’s talk about why Italy is such a powerful place to pop the question, why Sorrento is one of the most romantic corners of the country, and how a perfectly planned surprise proposal can unfold seamlessly,  without giving the game away and yes we keep secrets !  Do  you know why so many couples return to be married in a country it’s easy to fall in love with ?  We know why !

Why Propose in Italy?

Italy has a rare ability to make everything feel more meaningful. The landscapes are dramatic, the food is emotional, and even an ordinary walk can feel cinematic. It’s a country made for romance,  not the loud, flashy kind, but the deep, heart‑swelling kind.

Couples choose Italy for proposals because every location feels timeless (no awkward trends to date your photos), there’s a natural sense of intimacy, even in famous places and It’s perfect for combining a proposal with a holiday or engagement celebration.   The backdrop does half the work,  you just bring the ring.

From lakes and vineyards to mountaintops and coastlines, Italy offers endless ways to make the moment deeply personal.

Why Sorrento Is Proposal Gold

Sorrento has a special kind of magic. Perched above the sea, wrapped in citrus groves, and glowing at sunset, it’s effortlessly romantic without trying too hard.

What makes Sorrento so perfect for surprise proposals: – Breathtaking views over the Bay of Naples  especially at golden hour – Elegant hotels and private terraces ideal for intimate moments,  Easy access from Naples, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast – A refined, relaxed atmosphere that feels romantic rather than rushed. It’s the kind of place where you can dress up or keep it casual and both feel right.

Surprise Proposal Ideas in Sorrento

A surprise proposal should feel natural, not staged. The best ones look effortless… even though a lot of careful planning happens quietly behind the scenes.

Here are some of the top ways to propose in and around Sorrento:

Private Sea‑View Terrace Proposal

Imagine telling your partner you’ve booked a sunset aperitivo, then  only to arrive at a flower‑filled terrace overlooking the sea, with champagne waiting and the light slowly turning gold. Simple. Elegant. Unforgettable.

Boat Proposal Along the Coast

A private boat, gentle waves, the coastline unfolding around you. The skipper pauses at the perfect spot, the engine quiets… and suddenly it’s just the two of you and the question you’ll remember forever.

Hidden Garden or Scenic Walk

Sorrento has beautiful corners most visitors never notice. A short walk, a quiet viewpoint, a moment that feels spontaneous — even though every detail has been carefully timed.

Villa or Hotel Suite Surprise

Sometimes the most powerful proposals happen in private. Returning to your luxurious suite to find candles, flowers, music, and that view can be incredibly emotional — especially for couples who value intimacy.

“But What If We’re Not in Sorrento?”

Good news: surprise proposals can be organised almost anywhere in Italy.

Whether you’re dreaming of: – A vineyard in Tuscany – Lake Como at sunrise – A mountaintop in the Dolomites – A historic piazza after dark – A quiet beach or countryside escape, a private palace in Venice (include a gondola ride to a secret spot ?)

The same approach applies: discreet planning, local knowledge, and absolute focus on creating a moment that feels right for you.

What It’s Really Like to Marry in Sicily

There are places in the world where weddings feel like a film. Taormina is one of those rare places where the film becomes a blockbuster scene.

This is the truth most couples don’t understand until they arrive. Sicily doesn’t try to impress. She just is. She is theatre by nature.

So when this gorgeous couple reached out six months before their date, a bride from Wales, a groom from Australia, asking for an “all white” wedding that was sophisticated yet fun, a ceremony that honoured two cultures, two hemispheres, and two ways of loving…
I knew instantly this was a Sicily match.

Why Taormina Works

Taormina isn’t a slow, dreamy romance. She’s a playful, intelligent romantic. Confident. Effortless. Unapologetically breathtaking.

Ancient theatre. Iconic coastline. A volcano in the background – bold, dramatic, impossible to ignore.

Ceremony spaces here don’t feel like rooms you hire. They feel like portals.

The All-White Vision

Planning this wedding was pure joy. Every decision felt like art.

We designed white in a way that wasn’t sterile or wintery, but alive. White had movement. (Wait until you see the photos.) White had joy. White served sunlight, not the other way around.

The ceremony blended Celtic heart with Australian openness, tears of joy, bursts of laughter, all held effortlessly by Sicily herself, silently watched over by majestic Mount Etna.

This is why people choose destination weddings here: Because in Sicily, symbolism feels organic, never forced.

Kylie & Nelson’s Magical Villa Celebration Near Lucca

Planning a destination wedding in Tuscany? Get inspired by Kylie & Nelson’s unforgettable villa wedding near Lucca, complete with olive groves, pizza parties, and pure romance.

How It All Began: From Boston to “Yes”

Some love stories begin in the most unexpected places. For Kylie & Nelson, it all started in a Sheriff’s office in Boston, where work led to friendship, which led—happily—to love.

After four years of dating, Nelson proposed on the golden sands of Jupiter Beach, followed by a surprise family dinner to celebrate. Like many couples, their dream of an Italian wedding was momentarily paused by Covid—but when the time was right, we set out together to bring their vision to life under the Tuscan sun.

Planning a Destination Wedding in Tuscany: Trust, Faith, and a Little Magic

Kylie, a florist herself, came into planning brimming with creativity and excitement. From our very first brainstorming chats to regular video calls, this was a couple who dove into the experience with heart and humor (my favorite kind!).

Their venue, Casale di Pasquinelli near Lucca, was chosen for its incredible panoramic views, rave reviews from past couples, and charming Tuscan character with all the modern amenities. Since they couldn’t visit in person, confirming the venue was truly an act of trust and faith, built on careful research—and a little intuition. And as Kylie later said, “It really was the most magical spot.”

Casa Collina Events Featured on Pink Wedding Venues

We’re thrilled to share that Casa Collina Events has been featured on Pink Wedding Venues, the UK’s only LGBTQ+ focused wedding venue directory!

In this special feature, Jayne Seddon—founder of Casa Collina Events—shares her journey from Midlands ski rep to destination wedding planner in Italy, with over 25 years of experience crafting unforgettable celebrations across this beautiful country.

Jayne reflects on how Italy has grown more inclusive, especially since the legal recognition of civil unions in 2016, and how she helps couples—regardless of gender or identity—plan deeply personal ceremonies that break free from tradition and bureaucracy. From mountaintops to rooftops, Jayne believes your love story should be the only rule.

The feature also includes a heartwarming look behind the scenes of one of Jayne’s favourite weddings: Larry and Levon’s romantic, minimalist celebration in Venice. With black tuxes, sage green accents, and candlelit charm in the hidden garden of Hotel Aquarius, it’s a love story that shows how powerful, personal, and stylish a symbolic wedding in Italy can be.

Read the full feature here: Casa Collina Events on Pink Wedding Venues

At Casa Collina Events, we proudly support and celebrate love in all its forms. If you’re dreaming of an Italian wedding that reflects you, we’d love to help you bring it to life.

Villa Fondi Vows and Fattoria Terranova Celebration

Lauren and Mark’s love story is one of romance, adventure, and a shared love for Italy. Their journey began at work, where they met and started dating in 2017. Fast forward to June 2023, during a dreamy getaway to Ibiza, Mark planned the ultimate proposal at the breathtaking Restaurant Amante, tucked away in a secluded bay. Under the soft glow of a private Balinese hut, with the waves gently crashing below, he got down on one knee—and Lauren’s answer was an overjoyed “YES!”

When we first spoke about their wedding dreams, I asked: Why Italy?   For Lauren, the answer was simple—she had spent unforgettable family holidays in Sorrento, Rome, and Tuscany, falling in love with the romance, culture, and beauty of Italy. When she and Mark took their first holiday together, they chose Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, and it was there that Mark, too, fell in love—not just with the breathtaking scenery, but with the warm-hearted people and incredible food.

And in their own words…

‘We were set on Sorrento as a location but didn’t have a venue in mind.  We expressed to Jayne we wanted an authentic Italian experience and wanted our friends and family to experience the same.  Jayne instantly suggested Fattoria Terranova and we both fell in love with the traditional rustic feel and natural scenery, along with beautiful table settings and set-up.  This family run location was perfect for our special day.  The aperitivo with traditional Neopolitan duo really set the evening off.   All our guests said they were blown away by the decorations, flowers and food.  It was our once in a lifetime intimate wedding with an amazing atmosphere.

If we could sum up our wedding day, we would say it was a dream.  From the hair and make up team who made all the girls feel a million dollars, to the photographers who were attentive all day.  The limoncello cart was a welcome surprise in the warm sun and the vintage Beetle to the farm venue was a wonderful treat with a few moments alone together before arriving at the stunning venue.

Celebrate love in Italy and grab a romantic traditional recipe!

Saint Valentine’s Day, we wanted to take a moment to share a little bit of Italy’s heartwarming traditions and offer you some inspiration for your dream wedding here in the country that celebrates love like no other.

The Story of Saint Valentine

Whatever you feel about Saint Valentine’s Day today, the story is interesting and particularly Italian.  Most historians agree that he was a Christian priest or bishop who lived during the Roman Empire in the 3rd century. His exact identity and the details of his life are unclear, as there are multiple saints named Valentine, and records from that era are scarce.

The most common story is that Valentine was a priest in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, who, according to legend, banned marriages for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers. Valentine defied the emperor by secretly performing marriage ceremonies for young couples. When his actions were discovered, he was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death. He was executed on February 14, around the year 269 AD.  Over time, Valentine became associated with love and affection, likely due to his role in performing marriages. His feast day, February 14, eventually became linked to romantic love, particularly during the Middle Ages in Europe, when the tradition of courtly love blossomed.

Traditions however contnue, and if you’re dreaming of a small intimate ceremony or a lavish celebration with your closest loved ones, Italy has so many beautiful places to tie the knot on February 14th. Let’s take a journey through Italy’s Valentine’s Day traditions, where you can exchange vows, and even a special recipe that will bring a taste of Italy to your celebration.

Saint Valentine’s Day Traditions in Italy

In Italy, “San Valentino” is celebrated not just as a day for couples, but as a celebration of romantic love, deep friendship, and affection. While the modern celebrations focus on love between couples, you’ll find that Italians also take this time to appreciate friends and family, showering them with tokens of appreciation.

Here are a few lovely traditions that you might want to incorporate into your wedding day:

Baci Perugina (Perugian Kisses): These iconic hazelnut chocolates are exchanged between lovers & friends and symbolize the sweet kiss that binds hearts together. They’re a perfect wedding favor and a delicious treat to share with your guests. They have the sweetest messages and quotes inside.

Love Locks: Inspired by the tradition seen in places like Paris, couples in Italy sometimes attach a “love lock” to bridges or gates, sealing their promises of eternal love. You can add this to your Italian wedding as a symbolic gesture.  It is forbidden in many places now, but you could find a way of having a portable ‘gate’ on your wedding day.

Handwritten Love Letters: On Valentine’s Day, it’s common for couples to exchange heartfelt handwritten letters. Imagine exchanging your vows along with a personal love letter – something for you both to keep and treasure forever.

Dinner & Serenades: A Valentine’s evening typically ends with an intimate dinner and, in some areas, a serenade by musicians. Why not include a local musician to serenade you during your reception?